Many people dream of performing a hit song with their favorite band or rock star, and for 19-year-old Conor Bruen from Belfast, that dream became a reality.
Conor, who is autistic, had the chance to sing Snow Patrol’s iconic hit Chasing Cars alongside the band’s frontman, Gary Lightbody, in an impromptu duet that has since gone viral on social media.
The chance meeting happened completely by accident, according to Conor.
He was attending his regular music class at Drake Music NI, a Belfast charity that supports people of all abilities in making music, when he noticed Lightbody in a nearby meeting.
“I was recording my own music, and then I said: ‘Gary, is this too noisy? Should I close the door?’” Conor told BBC News NI.
That led him to invite the Snow Patrol singer to join him for a song, and to his surprise, Gary agreed.
Despite the excitement, Conor wasn’t nervous about singing with the rock star.
“It didn’t make me nervous singing with Gary because I’ve sung before in the past in my school,” he explained.
Conor chose Chasing Cars because the song brings him joy.
“Chasing Cars just makes me feel happy,” he said. His dad, Sean Bruen, also shared how much music means to Conor.
“Music and rap music is his thing, that’s what he loves to do,” Sean said, adding that Gary was “brilliant” for agreeing to sing with his son.
Conor’s father expressed immense pride, noting how the encounter boosted Conor’s confidence.
“Sometimes with Conor’s autism, he has no filters, but sometimes it goes in his favor, and yesterday definitely went in his favor,” Sean said. “It just gave him so much confidence and a real push to keep doing his music.”
The moment has left a lasting impression on Conor, who is set to perform again at a gala event for the ADHD Hub in Newcastle.
Reflecting on his experience with Lightbody, Conor said, “Gary, you’re an inspiration for getting me back into my singing.”
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